The new, 5th edition of BLACK+DECKER Advanced Home Wiring does more than simply make incremental changes to match new national electrical codes. It includes several never-before-seen projects that will challenge even the most experienced home DIYer.

Some of these include: a step-by-step demonstration of the right way to wire a three-way switch in any situation; a closer look at new “available neutral” requirements and how they impact traditional wiring configurations; new information on weatherproof boxes and conduit; a primer on three-phase power; and a guide to 240-volt circuitry that eliminates all the confusion. These are higher-level projects, but ones that offer high rewards when they are done right.

The latest home wiring products and techniques are also featured in this new edition. If you already have a good understanding of the basics of home wiring and electrical systems, this is the book you need to take your game to the next level.

GUEST REVIEWER:

Paul Slipak

Paul Slipak is a ticketed machinist millwright, and has been in the industrial avenues for over fifty years. He has an extensive background including the skills associated with his certification, that also encompass a vast knowledge regarding plumbing, electrical, construction specifications, gears, pumps, welding, brazing, and working with all types of metals. His knowledge doesn’t stop there. He is experienced/certified with elevating devices, breathing equipment and was a volunteer firefighter for twelve years.  He also is a trainer for those instructing CPR.

He’s worked in the industrial food industry for over thirty years and in Plant Maintenance for the remainder. He’s sat on many advisory boards for health and safety, built homes and businesses and has an endless of remarkable knowledge and skills gained throughout the years.

He has graciously offered to review this book.

“Again, I was very glad to get a chance to read and review this book. As it is geared toward an advanced level of instruction, I approached this book accordingly. Once again, it was great to see a warning section in the book about doing any wiring job and what dangers to avoid.

It is clear that anyone using this book must have some sort of an electrical background or experience to take on the challenges shown throughout its pages. A beginner may begin with a project as shown, but would incur great difficulties in completing said project without backup knowledge and skills to do so.  This book is not meant to hold an installer’s hand but rather, to give subtle direction with common issues. It too would be a great resource for such an experienced installer. The photos in this book are clear and useful and the directions precise and to the point. This book is full of refresher concepts, quick tips and useful information, but I recommend anyone wanting to use it, to have an electrical background. 

These books are excellent sources of information and a great asset.  I highly recommend this book keeping in mind what I’ve mentioned above.”

MY THOUGHTS:

Once again you are given a wealth of subject material to consider. Although this book is not as thick as “The Complete Guide To Wiring” it does provide targeted information for the following:

Introduction: consists of four sections covering wiring safety, planning your project, wiring a room addition, and wiring a kitchen.

Circuit Maps: consists of sixteen sections that make up the body of the book. They are: Common Household Circuits; GFCI & AFCI Breakers; Replacing a Service Panel; Grounding & Bonding a Wiring System; Sub-panels; Under-floor Radiant Heat Systems; Backup Power Supply; Installing a Transfer Switch; Outbuildings; Bathroom Exhaust Fans; “Smart” Thermostats; Troubleshooting & Repairs; Types of Wall Switches; Specialty Switches; Ground-fault (GFCI) & Arc-fault (AFCI) Protection; and Junction Boxes, Device Boxes & Enclosures

At the back of the book, you’ll find: Resources/Photo Credits; Conversions and an Index

The idea that one book is laid out more for the novice and the other for the advance installer is clearly depicted. This book is laid out with the understanding that the installer has a background dealing with electricity/wiring and knows when to call in an electrician. There is also the alternative of owning both books, one if you know what you’re doing and the other to go into more depth when you don’t.  That choice, naturally, would be yours.

This book received: